Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast

Kate Lynch
  • 5.0 (17)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents, a neurodiversity-affirming podcast for parents of neurodivergent kids of all ages. I’m Kate Lynch, a mindfulness coach on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future. If you're navigating the joys and struggles of raising your unique kids, follow us here for grounding mindfulness practices, relatable stories, and empowering strategies. Subscribe to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Blog: a community that understands your experience and reminds you that you are never alone.

  1. MAR 6

    Why My Neurodiverse Family Inspired Me To Rethink My Career

    A chat with neurodivergent coach Talia Zamora about parenting, burnout, authenticity, and why doing things differently can open doors we never expected. A lot of parents (moms) of neurodivergent kids don’t leave traditional careers because they want to, or because they lack ambition. They leave because caring for their kids requires a level of flexibility most workplaces simply don’t offer. If you’re raising neurodivergent kids, this may sound familiar: You’ve reduced work hours or left a job because the school called constantly. Therapies and IEP meetings make traditional schedules impossible. You’ve wondered if there’s another way to build a career that fits your reality. You’re exhausted trying to follow norms that simply don’t work for your family. In this conversation with Talia Zamora, we talk about parenting autistic kids, burnout, authenticity, and what happens when families start building lives that work for them. Talia didn’t originally plan to become an entrepreneur. She spent years working in business improvement roles. But when her children were young, the traditional workplace stopped fitting her life. Her two sons (now teenagers) are autistic. As their needs became clearer, the logistics of parenting, appointments, and school meetings made conventional work increasingly difficult. “I needed flexibility. I needed to be able to go to school meetings or take time when my kids needed me.” “Sometimes the battles we’re fighting are really about society’s expectations, not what’s best for our child.” “I was mimicking what other moms were doing. But it was to my own detriment.” “The more you accept yourself, and realize not everybody is going to like you, the easier it becomes to show up authentically.” Burnout is extremely common among parents of neurodivergent children. Between advocacy, appointments, school challenges, and the supercharged emotional rollercoaster we’re strapped into, many parents run on empty for years. Talia and I agree that preventing burnout is easier than recovering from it. Small moments of self-regulation matter. If you’re trying to build a life that actually works for your neurodiverse family, you’re in the right place. Subscribe for conversations, tools, and honest reflections about raising atypical kids with compassion for them and for ourselves. To read transcripts, receive new posts & support my work, become a subscriber at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents. https://katelynch.substack.com

    36 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    How My Comfy Business Meets My Neurodiverse Family's Needs

    When parenting neurodivergent kids is a full-time job, create a business that bends instead of breaking you with Laura Robinson. This is the conversation I wish I had a decade ago, back when I thought grit and sacrifice were the only way to run a business while raising a neurodivergent child. Spoiler: You don’t need more grit. You need more permission. Laura’s story isn’t the shiny “I had a dream and built a business!” narrative we’re sold online. It started in crisis. “Our second son was in and out of the hospital from birth. I’d had two C-sections, appendicitis, pleurisy, a major bereavement… I was as broken as I could possibly be.” When Business Begins Out of Necessity, Not Ambition “The thought that I could’ve had a job was ridiculous. I’d walk in the front door and the school would call: ‘We need you back.’ This happened constantly.” -Laura Robinson Laura has chronic neurological and vascular conditions whose symptoms mirror ADHD: executive dysfunction, dysregulation, and shifting capacity. Laura is giving you the entire e-book of The Comfy Business Playbook for free at:👉 worditude.co.uk/podcast A kinder future for our kids begins with kindness toward ourselves.

    20 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    Humor, Acceptance, and Truth in a Memoir About Generational Autism

    A Conversation About Autism, Motherhood, and Radical Acceptance Motherness by Julie M. Green isn’t about tragedy or superpowers — just the messy, hilarious, complicated truth of being an autistic mom. Join me, Kate Lynch, on Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents, as I talk with Julie M. Green, author of Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance. This conversation explores autistic motherhood, late-diagnosed autism, intergenerational neurodivergence, and the emotional labor of parenting kids who don’t fit the mold. Julie shares what it was like to discover her own autism a decade after her son’s diagnosis and reflects on masking, shame, anger, and the humor that keeps her afloat. We also dive into: -the loneliness of parenting “different” kids -why aggressive or dysregulated behaviors are so misunderstood -the pressure mothers carry in ableist systems -how self-compassion and honesty make room for joy If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, wondering if you may be autistic, or searching for stories that make you feel less alone, Motherness is one of those rare memoirs that feels both tender and sharp — vulnerable, funny, and deeply human. “It can be hard for people to feel empathetic when a child is lashing out. But it’s all variations of the same thing: dysregulation.” If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, wondering if you may be autistic, or searching for stories that make you feel less alone, Motherness is one of those rare memoirs that feels both tender and sharp — vulnerable, funny, and deeply human. If you’re reading Motherness or thinking about it, tell us in the comments here: https://katelynch.substack.com/p/generational-autism-radical-acceptance If you’ve had a glimmer lately, we’d love to hear that too. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:50 Julie M. Green's Writing Style 01:42 Radical Acceptance and Self-Compassion 02:47 Julie M. Green's Autism Journey 05:41 Parenting Challenges and Community 07:26 Aggression and Behavioral Challenges 10:29 Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth 13:02 Balancing Humor and Hardship 22:16 Spontaneous Joyful Moments 24:10 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    27 min

  4. 11/28/2025

    Is My Kid Deeply Feeling or Neurodivergent? E.J. Dickson Seeks Clarity

    An honest look at Dr. Becky’s influence, the limits of “deeply feeling,” and why accurate labels matter for autistic and ADHD kids.  When journalist E.J. Dickson published her viral article “Do Deeply Feeling Kids Really Exist?” for The Cut, it sparked an emotional debate among parents who follow Dr. Becky Kennedy’s parenting philosophy. In this conversation, E.J. joins me to share what she learned while reporting on the Deeply Feeling Kid (DFK) concept — and how it can unintentionally delay autism and ADHD evaluations for children who need support. We talk about what worked (and didn’t) when she tried Dr. Becky’s strategies with her own neurodivergent son, why highly verbal interventions often fail autistic kids, and the deeper forces at play: ableism, access barriers, and the pressure on mothers to never get it wrong. E.J. also reflects on the long history of blaming mothers for their children’s struggles, the intense pushback to her article, and why a diagnosis isn’t an ending — it’s a beginning. If you’ve ever wondered where “deeply feeling” ends and neurodivergence begins, this conversation offers clarity and community. This conversation is part of a seires inspired by The Cut’s article, “Do ‘Deeply Feeling Kids’ Really Exist?” by journalist E.J. Dickson, and by the growing movement of parents seeking inclusivity and empathy in modern parenting. Find transcript and conversation on this topic at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Substack: https://katelynch.substack.com/p/ej-dickson-deeply-feeling-or-neurodivergent Your follow and review make it possible to reach more parents like us. Thanks in advance. A kinder future for our kids begins with kindness toward ourselves.

    35 min

  5. 11/14/2025

    Beyond Deeply Feeling to Deeply Seen: Why Advocacy Matters

    A conversation with Ina Chung on finding power in accurate labels, and how modeling advocacy with her autistic and allergic kids helps them feel truly seen. “Parents would tell me, ‘If I had known when my child was three instead of seven, we could have gotten so many more supports in place.’ That breaks my heart.” -Ina Chung Why do we fear labels and diagnoses? That question has been on my mind since long before The Cut published journalist E.J. Dickson’s article about Dr. Becky Kennedy, the psychologist and parenting influencer who coined the term Deeply Feeling Kid (DFK). The DFK framework has helped countless parents feel more compassionate. But compassion alone doesn’t replace professional guidance. When well-meaning influencers dismiss “labels,” it can unintentionally reinforce the ableism many of us are still trying to unlearn. DFK describes children who experience emotions intensely and struggle to regulate them. The concept resonates with parents who value empathy and emotional awareness. But sometimes that framework isn’t enough. The piece explored whether the DFK label, while well-intentioned, might sometimes delay necessary diagnoses and supports for neurodivergent children. In the days following its release, my friend Ina Chung found herself at the center of that conversation. The DFK framework has helped countless parents feel more compassionate. But compassion alone doesn’t replace professional guidance. When well-meaning influencers dismiss “labels,” it can unintentionally reinforce the ableism many of us are still trying to unlearn. “If children are struggling, honesty and curiosity matter more than comfort.” -Kate Lynch Topics We Covered In The Live Conversation: What “Deeply Feeling Kid” (DFK) means — and when it misses the mark How Dr. Becky’s messaging resonates and falls short for neurodivergent families Why accurate diagnoses are not limiting but liberating The fear and stigma surrounding autism and other labels How modeling advocacy empowers kids with autism and allergies to speak up The parallels between neurodiversity and food allergies Finding belonging in online parenting spaces like Good Inside How parents can hold both truths — compassion and critique I’ve written before about this tension: the good that comes from Dr. Becky’s work, and the harm that can arise from her “I’m not a fan of labels” stance. Like Ina, I’ve seen parents in the Good Inside community working so hard, yet blaming themselves for things that can’t be parented away. A label isn’t a limitation. It’s language. It can open doors to therapy, accommodations, self-understanding, and community. “There are a lot of us out here who feel like this world wasn’t built for our kids, But when we share stories, we feel less alone. That’s everything.” -Ina Chung,  The Asian Allergy Mom on Instagramhttps://katelynch.substack.com/p/ina-chung-good-inside-interview

    35 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    Sitting with Discomfort: Raising Humans in a Biased System

    A candid, courageous conversation about the messy intersections of parenting, privilege, and support for neurodivergent kids. “Fear isn’t unsafe. Discomfort isn’t unsafe. It’s where growth begins.” –Sarah | Profound Autism Mom Together, we explored: Long-form storytelling vs social media sound bytes The myth of the “ideal child” and ambiguous grief The tension between emotional narratives and clinical realities How parents can regulate their own nervous systems and model resilience The line between “deeply feeling” and clinically neurodivergent, and why it matters How ableism, privilege, and bureaucracy shape access to support, and what we can do to fix the systems What “profound autism” means to Sarah, and how it differs from other autism presentations Finding meaning in unexpected parenting journeys The power of compassionate conversation in a divided culture Why community care and nervous system regulation are at the heart of survival for our families “There’s no hierarchy of people, only shifting needs.” –Kate Lynch Finding Compassion in the Chaos We didn’t have a neat conclusion — and that’s the point. This conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and notice where you might sit with complexity in your parenting, your advocacy, or your own self-understanding. We can find meaning in the mess, compassion in the chaos, and presence in the unknown. When we sit with complexity, we create space for something new to emerge: creative collaborations that spark change. An emerging vision of a culture that values care, connection, and the full humanity of every child. For links and community, go to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents

    1h 2m

  7. 10/24/2025

    Angel Cakes and Advocacy: Live With The Autism Mums

    Join Kate Lynch and The Autism Mums for an inspiring talk on parenting, advocacy, and community support for parents of autistic kids. I cried during this live chat with Victoria and Natalie, sisters sharing how they help parents feel less alone while raising autistic children.… “It can be quite a lonely journey...we thought, why not do a podcast, so that other people can be supported?” –Natalie Timestamps: 00:00 Accessing Helpful Tips Easily 04:03 Most Angel Cakes Bought 07:54 Eating Habits Transformation 12:27 Unclear Support for Complex Needs 15:15 Challenges for Neurodivergent Parents 18:42 Choosing School or Homeschool Conflict 21:37 Staying with Inclusive School 23:15 Reflecting on Misunderstood Panic Attacks 26:34 Preschool Meltdown Comparison

    29 min

  8. 10/10/2025

    Putting Parents First: Helping Parents Feel Seen and Supported with Patrick Weir

    A live, candid conversation with Parenting Pivot creator Patrick Weir on parenting special needs kids, ambiguous loss, and finding connection when you feel alone. When you first notice something’s different — finding connection, clarity, and compassion through community. Meet Patrick Weir, dad to a 10-year-old daughter with special needs. Patrick shares the story behind Parenting Pivot — a passion project built to help parents feel less alone through honest conversations with both caregivers and experts. We discuss the early days of realizing something was different, navigating evaluations, and the emotional terrain of ambiguous loss. Together, they explore what it means to center parents’ voices while advocating for their kids. This episode reminds us that no matter where you are in your parenting journey, you’re not alone — and community makes all the difference. "Every episode, I want parents to feel seen and walk away with something useful.” — Patrick Weir "We don’t have to be perfect parents to be present ones.” — Kate Lynch Topics: Why Patrick started Parenting Pivot The moment parents realize something is different Navigating the diagnostic process and finding a neuropsychologist The concept of ambiguous loss and redefining expectations Finding your people: community, compassion, and support for parents What it means to put parents at the center of the conversation Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and Introductions – Kate introduces Patrick and the Parenting Pivot Podcast [02:45] Why Patrick Created Parenting Pivot – Turning pain into purpose [08:30] The Parent’s Point of View: Centering Caregivers’ Stories [13:10] From “Something’s Different” to Diagnosis: The Early Steps [20:00] Ambiguous Loss and the Power of Community [27:30] Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids All links at: Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents

    22 min
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Trailers

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About

Welcome to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents, a neurodiversity-affirming podcast for parents of neurodivergent kids of all ages. I’m Kate Lynch, a mindfulness coach on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future. If you're navigating the joys and struggles of raising your unique kids, follow us here for grounding mindfulness practices, relatable stories, and empowering strategies. Subscribe to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Blog: a community that understands your experience and reminds you that you are never alone.

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